CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING

St. Bonaventure’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is nationally accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and is located within the NCATE-accredited School of Education. This degree is designed for individuals who wish to serve as counselors in community-based agencies — for example, mental health and social service agencies, hospitals, clinics, and college counseling centers.

The degree provides extended research-based knowledge and skill development in the areas of group and individual counseling, testing, diagnosis and treatment planning. Extensive hands-on field experiences are required. This CMH fact sheet provides additional information.

The 60-credit Clinical Mental Health Counseling program leads to an MSED in Counselor Education. It is typically a three-year program. However, it is possible to complete the program in two and a half years. Some of the courses are offered in a hybrid/online format.

Students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program may also pursue a M.S. degree. That program requires completion of a thesis.

Field Experiences

Students are expected to complete an initial Practicum field experience (40 hours of direct counseling) the first year. They are then required, in the second year, to complete two clinical mental health counseling internships, each involving 300 clock hours. Site supervisors must have at least three years of experience, and hold the qualifications as dictated by the Office of Professions. The placement process is a collaborative effort between students and faculty members.

Note that while some fieldwork sites offer evening or weekend opportunities, the majority of fieldwork (practicums) is completed during the weekday.

Mental Health Counselor Licensing

When you select SBU for your program of study, you are selecting a New York state registered program. Students who have successfully completed the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program are eligible to apply for their Mental Health Counselor license. Specific requirements for the Mental Health Counselor license are specified on this NYSED website.

The School of Education’s Office of Field Services assists students with specific information about licensing.

Formats and Locations

The School and Clinical Mental Health Counselor Education programs are offered in a traditional late afternoon/evening format on the Olean Campus. Both programs are also available in an asynchronous online format.

These programs require practical experiences. Please note that while some practicum and internship sites offer evening or weekend opportunities, the majority of fieldwork (practicums) is completed during weekday hours.

Tuition and Fees

Information on program costs is available on our graduate program Tuition and Fees page, from which additional links are provided regarding information on financial aid, scholarships and assistantships, loans and other aid.* Financial aid programs for on-campus study include the Dean's Scholarship (20% tuition reduction) and Franciscan Mission Grant (30% tuition reduction, for employees of Catholic organizations).

*Information provided in compliance with the federal government's Gainful Employment Program aimed at providing students with the information they need to make informed educational choices, including program costs and career outlooks.

Alcohol and Substance Abuse Training

St. Bonaventure University is also a certified education and training provider for the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS). The 85 continuing education requirements in addictions are offered through SBU. Note, for the full extent of the additional requirements for this credential, visit the OASAS Credentialiing site.